Jeremy Powers, Elle Anderson sweep GP Gloucester
Powers and Anderson will don the leaders' jerseys as the Shimano New England series moves to the Providence Cyclocross Festival next weekend
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Jeremy Powers (Rapha-Focus) and Elle Anderson (California Giant-Specialized) did it again on Sunday, winning round two of the 15th annual Great Brewers Gran Prix of Gloucester.
The two races marked the opening weekend of the Shimano New England Professional Cyclocross Series presented by Verge.
Once again the course at Stage Fort Park was fast and dry, and a lead group of top racers formed from the whistle in the women’s race: Anderson and teammate Meredith Miller; Helen Wyman (Kona Factory Racing); Crystal Anthony (Optum-Kelly Benefit Strategies); Gabby Durrin (Rapha-Focus); Kaitie Antonneau (Cannondale-Cyclocrossworld); Courtenay McFadden (Bicycle Bluebook-HRS); and Laura Van Gilder (Van Dessel-Mellow Mushroom).
Anderson attacked the lead group repeatedly, eventually launching an move only Wyman could follow. For laps, Wyman sat second wheel; however, Anderson eventually proved too much for her to handle.
The Cal Giant rider made her winning move in the final half lap, dropping Wyman for good to make a clean sweep of the weekend.
Wyman hung on for second while Miller took third.
“I really love this race, so this is a very special win for me!” said Anderson.
The men kicked up dust as a long, uninterrupted line of racers snaked through the course in the first lap. A lead group formed containing Ben Berden and Jamey Driscoll of Raleigh-Clement; Tim Johnson and Ryan Trebon of Cannondale-Cyclocrossworld; Yannick Eckmann (California Giant-Specialized); and Stephen Hyde (JAM Fund-NCC).
Johnson and Trebon repeatedly attacked the group, and the former’s jump with two to go gained him almost 10 seconds on the others.
But Powers cranked it into overdrive and closed Johnson’s gap with a pace only Trebon could match, and it was a three-man lead group that crossed the line with one to go.
Powers launched the next attack, with Johnson on his wheel and Trebon losing some ground. Johnson chased hard but was forced into the pit with a half lap remaining, leaving Powers to claim the victory. Trebon crossed the line second, Johnson third.
“I’ve done a lot of racing here, and I have a lot of memories,” said Powers. “I’m glad for the community and the support I find here. I’m just happy to be here at Gloucester!”
The Shimano New England series continues next weekend at the Providence Cyclocross Festival, where Powers and Anderson will wear the leaders’ jerseys.